Easy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe

Hearty Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe That Wows

Crafting a mouthwatering easy crockpot pierogi casserole with kielbasa brings comfort right to your plate.

Layers of hearty ingredients promise a delightful meal that speaks to traditional Polish flavors.

Slow cooking transforms simple components into a rich, satisfying dish perfect for chilly evenings.

Potatoes, pasta, and savory sausage blend harmoniously under gentle heat.

Minimal prep work means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying good company.

Creamy textures and robust seasonings create a memorable meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Prepare to savor every comforting bite of this simple yet extraordinary casserole.

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Made Simple

  • Simplify your cooking with this crockpot casserole that requires minimal prep and cleanup, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Combine classic Polish-inspired ingredients like kielbasa, pierogis, and creamy cheese sauce to create a hearty, satisfying dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table.
  • Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, savory flavors of this crowd-pleasing casserole, making it an ideal meal for family gatherings or potluck events where everyone craves something deliciously filling.
  • Easily adapt the recipe by swapping kielbasa types, trying different cheese blends, or adding extra vegetables to make this dish uniquely yours while maintaining its comforting core.

Ingredients for Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa

Main Protein and Meat:
  • Kielbasa Sausage: A classic Polish sausage that adds smoky and hearty flavor to the casserole.
  • Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Dairy and Creamy Elements:
  • Sour Cream, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cheddar Cheese: Create a rich and creamy sauce that helps bind the ingredients and adds depth of flavor.
Pasta and Base Ingredient:
  • Pierogis: Traditional Polish dumplings filled with potato that serve as the core carbohydrate component of the casserole.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley, Green Onions: Add a fresh and bright finishing touch to the dish.
Cooking Basics:
  • Olive Oil: Used for browning the kielbasa and sautéing the onions.

How to Cook Crockpot Pierogi Casserole

Step 1: Sizzle Kielbasa and Onions

Pour olive oil into a skillet over medium heat.

Toss kielbasa slices and cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color.

Add diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • Sour cream
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Build Delicious Layers

Generously grease your slow cooker.

Start building layers by placing:
  • Frozen pierogis
  • Browned kielbasa
  • Sautéed onions
  • Creamy sauce

Repeat the layering process.

Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set to low heat.

Let the casserole simmer and meld flavors for 4-6 hours.

The pierogis will become tender, and the cheese will melt into a gooey, irresistible blanket.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Gently stir the casserole or serve in beautiful layered portions.

Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Crockpot Pierogi Casserole

  • Caramelize onions slightly longer for a richer, sweeter undertone that enhances the overall dish's complexity.
  • Lightly brown pierogis before adding to the crockpot to maintain a slight crisp texture and prevent them from becoming too soft.
  • Sprinkle cheese during the last hour of cooking to ensure it melts perfectly without burning or becoming rubbery.
  • Replace cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free alternative and use dairy-free cheese for lactose-intolerant guests, maintaining the dish's hearty essence.
  • Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary into the sauce for an unexpected aromatic twist that elevates the traditional comfort food profile.

Storing and Reheating Pierogi Casserole

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the casserole flat to maintain its texture and prevent ingredient separation.
  • Carefully pack the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top layer of cheese.

Serving Suggestions for Pierogi Casserole

  • Pair Smoky Kielbasa Comfort
  • Select a robust amber lager or German-style wheat beer to complement the smoky kielbasa and rich cheese layers.
  • Savor Bold Red Wine Match
  • Choose a medium-bodied Zinfandel or Syrah with spicy undertones that cut through the creamy casserole's richness.
  • Enhance Hearty Side Salad
  • Create a tangy cucumber and dill salad with light vinaigrette to balance the dish's heavy and creamy profile.
  • Polish-Inspired Beverage Complement
  • Serve chilled vodka shots as a traditional Eastern European accompaniment that cleanses the palate between bites of the hearty casserole.

Variations on Pierogi Casserole

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu cubes, keeping all other ingredients the same for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pierogis with gluten-free pierogis or potato gnocchi, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pierogis with cauliflower florets or zucchini rounds, maintaining the creamy sauce and cheese layers for a lighter meal.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup, coconut milk instead of sour cream, and nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese replacement to create a lactose-free casserole.

FAQs

  • What are pierogis?

Pierogis are traditional Polish dumplings made from unleavened dough stuffed with various fillings like potato, cheese, sauerkraut, or meat, then boiled or pan-fried.

  • Can I use different types of sausage instead of kielbasa?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with other smoked sausages like andouille, chorizo, or smoked bratwurst for a similar flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pierogis and check that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free to adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive diets.

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Easy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe

Easy Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Kielbasa Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Pierogi Casserole blends Polish comfort with convenient crockpot magic, marrying tender dumplings and smoky kielbasa in one delicious dish. Simple ingredients create a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings and weeknight dinners you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) bag frozen pierogis
  • 1 pound (454 grams) kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Sauce Components:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup

Seasonings and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sear kielbasa in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until edges turn golden brown, creating caramelized flavor profiles.
  2. Incorporate diced onions into the skillet, sautéing until translucent and releasing sweet aromatic notes.
  3. Whisk together creamy sauce components, blending sour cream, condensed mushroom soup, and shredded cheddar until smoothly integrated.
  4. Prepare crockpot with a light spray of cooking oil to prevent ingredient adherence.
  5. Construct initial layer by arranging frozen pierogis across the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Spread half the seared kielbasa and caramelized onions over the pierogis.
  7. Drizzle half the prepared creamy sauce across the layer, allowing it to seep between ingredients.
  8. Repeat layering process with remaining pierogis, kielbasa, onions, and sauce.
  9. Generously sprinkle additional cheddar cheese across the top layer for enhanced melting coverage.
  10. Set crockpot to low temperature and cook for 4-5 hours until pierogis become tender and cheese transforms into a bubbling golden crust.
  11. Once cooking completes, allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes to stabilize layers.
  12. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Customize Texture by carefully not overcooking pierogis to maintain their delicate pasta-like consistency and prevent becoming mushy during slow cooking.
  • Cheese Selection matters; use sharp cheddar for deeper flavor or experiment with smoked gouda for an enhanced taste profile that complements kielbasa’s richness.
  • Low-Sodium Alternative can be achieved by choosing reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup and low-fat kielbasa, making the dish more heart-friendly without compromising taste.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation works by substituting regular pierogis with gluten-free versions and ensuring all other ingredients like soup and cheese are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours (on high) or 6 hours (on low)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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